Kenyan School Teacher Crowned World's Best For His Incredible Gift To His Students

There's always that one teacher that stands out for most students during their high school or university days. Whether they always made you laugh, helped you pass when you never thought you could, or just made learning fun, some teachers go above and beyond the curriculum for students.

But interestingly, there is such a thing as the world's best teacher. No, they don't all sit exams to find out who's the smartest, but adjudicators pick through nominees to see why they stand out the most.

Well, let us introduce you to Kenyan science teacher Peter Tabichi who has just collected the 2019 Global Teacher Prize.

He's been recognised for helping his disadvantaged students, who experience overcrowded classrooms and don't have access to many textbooks. Not only that, but he also gives 80 percent of his salary to his students so that they can afford the basic necessities of student life.

For his efforts, the 2019 Global Teacher Prize comes with a whopping $1 million cheque.

The Greatest Showman star Hugh Jackman was there to present Brother Peter his award in the ceremony in Dubai.

The recipient told the crowd: "As a teacher working on the front line I have seen the promise of its young people - their curiosity, talent, their intelligence, their belief.

"Africa's young people will no longer be held back by low expectations. Africa will produce scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs whose names will be one day famous in every corner of the world. And girls will be a huge part of this story."

He explained that his classes are usually filled with between 50 to 70 students when it's only meant to be 30 to 40. Many students walk to the Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Pwani Village every day, with some walking up to six kilometres to get there.

Kenya's president, Uhuru Kenyatta said: "Peter - your story is the story of Africa, a young continent bursting with talent. Your students have shown that they can compete amongst the best in the world in science, technology and all fields of human endeavour."

Peter managed to beat out 10,000 other applicants from a whopping 179 countries.

When he picked up his award, he said: "It's morning in Africa. The skies are clear. The day is young and there is a blank page waiting to be written. This is Africa's time."

What an absolute legend. We need more of him in our communities.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Inspirational, Kenya, Teacher

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie